I've spent hundreds of hours on long-haul Amtrak rides. Here are my 10 best tips for first-time riders.

Some trains have reserved seating, but on every long-haul ride I've been on, a conductor has assigned my seat during the boarding process.

Since I can't always choose my own spot, I often miss out on the coveted window seat when the train is full. So, I'm always mentally prepared to sit anywhere when I board. 

Traveling pairs usually get to sit together, which is a benefit, but solo travelers like me often sit next to a stranger.

The seats near the doors between cars are my least favorite. The doors open and close throughout the night as passengers and crew members walk through them. The area around them can be noisy, and I typically get a rough night's sleep when I'm there.

Definitely use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs if you're sitting in that area.

Since you'll either check your luggage or leave it in a stowaway compartment, put your most important items in a backpack you can keep at your seat. 

Load the backpack with anything you'll need while traveling. Pack medications, a few bottles of water, wet wipes, a change of clothes, a sleeping mask, ear plugs, a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, and a book or deck of cards — entertainment for when the train doesn't have WiFi available.

There's usually plenty of legroom and space to store my backpack below the seat in front of me. Knowing my personal items are within reach makes me feel secure, and for extra security, I often wear a fanny pack filled with personal items while I'm sleeping.

In order to be able to work on the move, I bring my laptop and charger, which I usually plug into the outlet by my seat.

I also bring a mini portable charger in case I'm in an aisle seat and don't want my charger crossing over the passenger by the window, who's closest to the outlet.

I always bring my Tumi puffer jacket on long train rides since it converts into a neck pillow. It's perfect as a pillow for a daytime nap and as a blanket at bedtime.

I also bring an inflatable pillow and a small blanket. A full-sized pillow and blanket aren't worth lugging around, but the smaller options are ideal since many trains tend to run cool at night.

Wear something comfortable enough to sleep in on the train. I like to sport slip-on shoes so I can easily get them on for a middle-of-the-night restroom excursion.

After you've boarded and have all your necessities on hand, the fun begins. Get settled and comfortable in your spacious seat, and let the rhythmic motion and clacking noises lull you to sleep as the train takes you to your destination. 

Napping is my favorite pastime on trains, but I also spend hours watching different American landscapes fly past the windows. 

Many train routes travel through areas where no other transportation is available, offering some of the country's most spectacular sights. So settle in and enjoy glimpses of the changing landscape throughout the journey.

Although a succulent steak from the dining car is a treat, only passengers in private rooms have access to that part of the train.

The café car is an option for coach passengers, but if you aren't a fan of the food — or worse, you forget to bring cash and the credit-card machine goes down, which happened to me before — pack a cooler with tasty food options.

I tend to bring delicious foods on my train rides that I don't always eat at home. Some of my favorites are specialty cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, prosciutto, olives, marinated artichokes, crackers, boiled eggs, and expensive chocolates as a treat. These items make a cold meal feel like an event. 

I also pack a can of premade coffee to hold me over until I'm awake enough to wander to the café car in the morning. 

I use a compact purse cooler from Costco that slides over my luggage handle. It has a lined cooler section and a separate compartment for utensils, plates, napkins, and condiment packets.

I freeze a water bottle to keep my food cold. I also bring plastic bags to dispose of leftovers and refill them with ice in the café car once my bottle defrosts.

If I'm getting off at stops along the route, I try to find a local farmers market where I can restock my cooler for the next leg of the journey. It's a fun way to bring local flavors with you on the train. 

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I bought fresh salads with broccoli and quinoa and an Amish soft pretzel. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I purchased raw cheese, figs, and boiled peanuts. 

When you pack your cooler, be considerate of other passengers. Stinky foods can be bothersome, so go easy on the aged Roquefort and canned tuna. 

I spend most of my days on the train in the observation car, which has a variety of comfortable seats and tables surrounded by windows.

The natural light, scenic views, and conversations with other passengers in this section of the train make time fly by. 

Bring your laptop, a book, and some snacks to enjoy as you look out the windows. It's especially beautiful at sunset, so bring your camera.

You can get a pretty good night's sleep in coach if you know a few tricks.

I've found that an eye mask is imperative since the runner lights are on all night. If I'm in an aisle seat, they feel like they're shining directly in my eyes.

Some people use earplugs, but I prefer to listen to a meditation app before dozing off. The gentle noises and music block out sounds from the doors and surrounding conversations.

I recline my seat, extend the footrest, and put on my eye mask and headphones. The gentle motion of the train usually puts me to sleep within moments of closing my eyes.

Coach bathrooms are located on Superliners' lower level, but they feel way too small for me to comfortably change clothes.

It took a few trips for me to realize that there's a dressing room the width of the train car at the end of the hall of restrooms. The ones I've seen have a bathroom, a sink, a sitting room, and a mirror. 

After spending the night asleep on the train, you'll be glad to have the extra space to brush your teeth and wash up.

This story was originally published on January 1, 2023, and most recently updated on August 30, 2024.